Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50

Auto Mode (7.5)
Automatic Mode is engaged when the user turns the Mode dial to the red camera icon on the back of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50. By engaging the Automatic mode, the user allows the camera to control functionality and settings in regard to Exposure, White Balance, Focus, Shutter Speed, and ISO settings. It is possible to alter settings while in Automatic mode using the Menu options, but drastic changes between image situations may force the camera to lag when readjusting for a new image. This is to be expected on a lower-priced point-and-shoot model; be prepared to not always have the ability to capture an image immediately, as a few additional seconds are often required.

Movie Mode (5.5)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 has a Movie Mode, which allows the user to capture motion video. This mode is accessible by turning the Mode dial switch on the back of the camera body to the filmstrip icon. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 will record motion video at either 30 or 10 frames per second at 320 x 240 resolution. Unfortunately, audio cannot be captured with video. The aurally-inclined user should look into the Lumix DMC-LC70, which will record video and audio simultaneously in movie mode.

Drive / Burst Mode (7.5)
This camera comes with a consecutive burst mode of 3.5 or 2 frames per second, with up to eight images in standard mode, or five images in fine mode. While this does not give you many shots, it is substantial speed for a short burst.

Playback Mode (6.0)
Playback mode on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 enables the user to view previously recorded images or video. Within this setting, the user can choose between single and multi-viewing options by pressing the zoom toggle to either the left or right. Once a specific image is selected, magnification or zoom options are available. Using the zoom toggle within an image will allow for the user to view either in 1x, 4x, or 8x zoom.

Custom Image Presets (6.5)
The Program modes for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 are used to orient the camera to a variety of shooting situations without manual customization. By selecting a shooting preset, the user can use the best mode for that scenario and maximize the image. Located on the back of the camera, the mode dial has a cutaway from the rest of the camera body, making access easy. There are nine preset shooting modes in total included on the Lumix DMC-LC50. First, there is 'Simple Mode,' denoted by a heart. It's designed for the user who doesn't care to read manuals or doesn't want to be troubled fumbling with controls. 'Normal' mode is oriented for a typical scene where lighting and subject matter are all in the median without any drastic quality issues. 'Picture' mode is an augmentation of the Normal mode used to emphasize color and sharpness settings. The 'Economy' setting is merely a power saving method; it turns the LCD screen off sooner than in other modes, saving battery life so that carrying extra AAs isn't your primary concern. 'Macro Mode' is used when close range subject matter is being shot, and can capture images in focus up to 33 cm from the lens of the camera. 'Portrait' mode should be chosen if the subject matter needs to stand out from the background of the scene. Normally, a heightened sense of focus and blurred background are the most noticeable aspects of this setting, resulting from minimal depth of field. This mode is most appropriate when the subject is at least six feet from the camera. 'Landscape' mode is meant for situations of great distance, when there isn't one specific subject, but rather an entire scene that the user wishes to capture. Landscape mode will employ increased depth of field and aim to capture the entire frame.'Night Portrait' is a setting used when darkness is imminent and the user is attempting to avoid blown-out portraits where the faces of the subject are obliterated by the flash. Finally, 'Moving Image' is just that: a setting to be engaged when capturing video to memory card, represented by the filmstrip symbol on the Mode dial.